Keeping Pets Safe and Wildlife Safer: Dog Etiquette for Vancouver Island Explorers

Always leash dogs on or near trails (unless in an off-leash park). Stay on designated paths to protect sensitive plants and nesting areas. Off-trail running can trample vegetation and disturb wildlife. Avoid hiking at dawn/dusk when predators are active. Carry bear spray and learn how to use it. If you encounter a bear or cougar, keep your dog close or pick up small dogs; back away slowly, speaking calmly. Do not run. BC Parks advises “keep pets leashed… [and] do not bring them into sensitive wildlife areas”. In spring (April–June), keep dogs away from shoreline grasses and wetlands where birds nest.

Coastal habitats are fragile. Many beaches (especially in parks) require leashes to protect shorebirds and marine life. Always watch for posted signs. For example, Pacific Rim NP strictly enforces on-leash at all times, and local bird sanctuaries ban off-leash dogs entirely. Disturbing resting seals or feeding sea lions can provoke aggression. Best practice is to “observe seals from afar” and keep dogs leashed – free-roaming dogs stress seals and can spread disease. On land, give resting sea lions and bird colonies a wide berth. Remember, it’s illegal to chase or harass wildlife (fines apply).

In cities and towns (Victoria, Nanaimo, Courtenay, etc.), bylaw leash rules apply on streets, parks, and beaches. Obey municipal signs. Always pick up dog waste – it’s not only courteous but required. BC Parks notes that “abandoned dog waste bags can be hazardous for wildlife”, and cities typically impose fines for non-compliance. Carry biodegradable bags and dispose of them in trash bins. Pack water and a travel bowl – Vancouver Island’s trails and docks usually have streams or spigots, but it’s best to keep your dog hydrated. Check your dog’s paws often (sand and saltwater can irritate) and rinse off any marine organisms (e.g. algae, jellyfish) after a beach visit.

When taking BC Ferries, pets must stay in vehicles or in designated pet areas. On the passenger decks, dogs must be on leash (max 1 m). The ferry provides garbage bins and waste bags for pet clean-up. Bring a towel or blanket for kennel areas and never leave pets unattended in a hot car. Foot passengers with pets embark via the car deck. On small boats or kayaks, keep dogs in secure life jackets and never allow them to chase wildlife.

Ensure your dog is healthy and prepared. The BC SPCA recommends pet vaccinations and preventatives be up-to-date for fleas, ticks, and heartworm before you travel. Ticks are rare on the coast but fleas and mosquitoes can bite; use vet-recommended products. ID collars and microchips are crucial – one million pets are lost in Canada each year. Bring a pet first-aid kit (bandages, tweezers, antihistamine) and know the nearest emergency vet clinics. On long hikes or hot days, watch for signs of overheating (excessive panting or fatigue). Finally, respect local culture: some people fear dogs or have allergies, so keep your dog under control around others.

Unleashed dogs may provoke predators or lead them back to people. If hiking in bear/cougar habitat, hike in groups, make noise, and carry bear spray. The mere scent of dogs can attract big cats. If you encounter a bear or cougar, hold your ground, keep your dog close or pick it up, and retreat slowly.

Dogs off-leash can flush ground-nesting birds or destroy nests. Victoria’s migratory bird sanctuaries have strict regulations: dogs are not allowed to run at large there. For example, dogs must be leashed on Cadboro Bay Beach (Victoria Harbour Sanctuary) or face penalties. In spring, avoid areas with signs for nesting ducks, geese or shorebirds.

In addition to seals, be mindful of whales and otters. If kayaking or boating, maintain distance from whales (watch from shore instead). Do not feed or approach otters or other marine life. At tidepools or on rocky shores, let dogs observe but not chase crabs, starfish or birds.

Raccoons, deer, elk and even small rodents can be bitten by dogs or spread disease. A leashed dog under control is far less likely to trigger an aggressive encounter. BC Parks warns that pets “may attract wild animals and could provoke an attack”.

Ensure flea, tick and heartworm preventatives are current. Ticks can be found in grassy brush on trails, and heartworm is spread by mosquitoes in summer.

Microchip your pet and use a collar with an up-to-date tag (include a contact number). Vancouver Island has rugged wilderness where dogs can wander off quickly.

Gradually build your dog’s hiking endurance. Consider a well-fitted hiking harness and even dog boots for rough terrain. Never leave a leash-attached dog tied to a tree or stake – predators or people could harm them.

If embarking on a long trail or backcountry route, double-check if dogs are permitted (e.g. no dogs on West Coast Trail or Broken Group). Even on shared trails, plan shorter, moderate hikes rather than multi-day backpacking with a pet.

The SPCA specifically warns to respect shorebirds in spring – avoid nesting areas entirely. They note that “keeping your pets on leash helps to ensure the ecological integrity of your surroundings”. This aligns with BC Parks’ message that leashing dogs is “an act of environmental stewardship”.